Santa Ana : 3 Arrested, Police Dog Hurt in Post-Party Melee

Officers attempting to quiet a noisy outdoor gathering were met with a barrage of rocks and bottles from angry party-goers late Sunday, according to a police spokeswoman.

No officers were hurt, but a police dog was injured--requiring stitches to a leg--after being struck repeatedly by a man who police say was under the influence of PCP, according to Officer Maureen Thomas.

That man and two others were arrested on drug and assault charges in the incident, which police believe grew from a party that had gotten out of hand.

When officers arrived at the 5300 block of West 5th Street and attempted to arrest 22-year-old Arthur Marcos Rodriguez of Orange, Thomas said, “the crowd became abusive, throwing rocks and bottles at the officers.”

As the officers were handcuffing Rodriquez, two people came at them, “yelling and screaming,” she said.

Police ordered the pair to halt. According to the police report, Richard Silvas, 18, began to run and a police dog gave chase, biting him on the arm. Silvas then kicked and beat the dog in an effort to release the animal’s grip, Thomas said.

Silvas was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, assaulting a police dog, being under the influence of PCP and interfering with police officers. Police did not release Silvas’ place of residence.

Rodriguez and Elizabeth Ann Smith, 23, of Orange were arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, being under the influence of PCP and interfering with police officers.